Purchasing Home Theater System...Advice Wanted

[Hurricane]

Yes, sorry Aaglo, my bad. I meant 4:3 of course for normal tv, 16:9 for widescreen.

[rah]

Originally posted by DanS
Widescreen can have any number of different ratios, but when describing a TV, everybody means a 16:9 ratio. Many movies are shot in variations of 2.35:1 ratio and will have black bars on the top and bottom when shown on a widescreen TV.

Yes, but those bars are quite thin.

[LTEC!]

Whenever possible... Buy Toshiba/Sony/Panasonic. In that order.

[Verto]

Originally posted by MrFun
Only a 27" television??

WUSS

Tis the size that fits the entertainment center I've already got. And if you think that's disappointing, just wait. I ended up getting a 24''.

I purchased the Philips 500W Home Theater System (not the least disappointed, BTW) and decided to go Philips for the television as well; my first and second choices were too wide, as they had full-length speakers on either side of the TV. This had a better image than the more expensive models anyway.

Yes, only 24'', but my couch is only five feet or so from the screen. Nice picture, the progressive scan/component video gives a very crisp image. Not disappointed.

I also picked up a cheap Sylvania VCR for the rare occasions I watch VHS.

EDIT:

P.S. Why was this brought back from the dead?

[rah]

I can close it if you want.

RAH
And Congrats on your purchase. Your satisfaction is the only matter of importance.

[Verto]

Originally posted by rah
I can close it if you want.

No, we do not question the powers of RAH! Spare us a demonstration!

[Brundlefly]

Originally posted by Verto

EDIT:

P.S. Why was this brought back from the dead?

Because I felt that you needed my expert opinion on home theater components. The components I advised you to buy are the same components I have. I did a lot of research before buying. It sounds better than any of my friend's home theater systems. Always go with Asian electronics. There's an even mix of good Asian, European, N. American speaker makers. My preferred company for speakers is Canadian.

[Gatekeeper]

Are there any industry standards one can rely on? Or is it still a hodge-podge of competing and/or similiar technology, with each company basically doing as it pleases?

I plan to get a DVD player, but I want one that's compatible with an HD television (and vice-versa). Then there's talk about that Blu Ray DVD technology that's supposed to put the red laser DVDs to shame not too long for now. Jiminy crickets!

Gatekeeper